Over the next 5 years the city of Charlottesville, Virginia plans to spend nearly $550,000 each year on urban tree preservation and city trail and greenway development, according to the Daily Progress. 

Mike Svetz, the director of Charlottesville's Parks and Recreation estimates that the city has a tree canopy of about 34% with a goal of increasing the canopy to 40%.  Tree canopies reduce urban heat, improve air quality and prevent erosion.

Walking trails are increasingly becoming a desirable urban amenity.  The city of Charlottesville currently has about 8.5 miles of trails outside of the Rivanna trail sustem.  A goal has been set to build an additional 10 miles of trails by 2015.  To quote the Daily Progress "construction of all proposed trails is planned to begin by 2011, with many set for this year and 2009.  But available funding could also become an obstacle."

Read the Daily Progress article

Initiatives such as the above and the City of Charlottesville's commitment to preserving the natural beauty are one of the reasons that Charlottesville continues to be nationally ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States.

Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD
Real Estate III
Charlottesville, Virginia
434 960-0161
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